Gin with Housemade Bitter Lemon and Soda

Measure gin and Bitter Lemon into a mixing glass. Fill glass ¾ full with ice; shake vigorously.

Add sparkling water and swirl. Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with lemon slice and fresh thyme.

Wash lemons and cut the ends off. Slice each lemon in half lengthwise and cut each half into 4 slices. 

Combine lemons, sugar and water in high-speed blender. Process at high speed, pulsing until almost smooth. (Mixture should retain some texture.)

Place mixture in a med. non-corrosive saucepan and bring to a boil over med.-high heat. Boil for 1 min; remove from heat and let steep for 1 hr.

Strain through a fine strainer. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.